In Photos: Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage's most important day

In Photos: Muslims take part in Hajj pilgrimage's most important day
Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount of Mercy on the Plain of Arafat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 26 May, 2026.
Reuters

Muslim pilgrims are gathering gathering at Mount Mercy on the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to mark the Hajj pilgrimage’s most important day.   

More than 1.6 million people are expected to assemble there to pray on Tuesday in the annual event, which is considered to be the holiest in the Islamic calendar. 

Saudi Arabian authorities have urged pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, with temperatures expected to surpass 45 degrees celsius.

Hajj officially began Monday with pilgrims arriving in Mina, west of Saudi Arabia and lasts six days.

Authorities in the Gulf kingdom have stepped up security measures ahead of the event, including crowd-monitoring systems to stop overcrowding and prevent unauthorised entry to holy sites. 

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